Joe's POV

I wake to the sun hitting it's rays on to my face. I groan and roll over. But now my sleep has been interrupted.

I glance to my side where Denise is sleeping. The woman can sleep. My mind wonders back to yesterday.

Erica!

She looks even more beautiful than last I saw her. I only wish I wasn't engaged to Denise. I don't really love her. My heart has always belonged to one woman and one woman only.

I've always kept tabs on her. I know where she works, her relationship status, I know everything that's always happened with her. And I know she's single after her last breakup almost a week ago.

Though I hadn't known she would be here this summer. For all I know, she must hate this place what with everything that transpired eight years ago.

Her almost being raped and the way I left her. If it were me, I would hate this place with everything in me.

You must be wondering, if I really loved her, why didn't I show myself to her after all these years? Why did I avoid her?

It's all because, with the information I got, she always seemed so happy. I just didn't want to ruin everything for her with my presence. I know I hurt her with my departure.

Last night, I realised I couldn't forget her even if I tried. So I ended up fucking Denise, just so I could get her out of my head. Not that it helped.

I shake my head as I move off the bed and into the bathroom. After freshening up myself, I make my way to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee, leaving Denise in bed.

I stop mid-step as I take in the sight in front of me. Erica is bent over the refrigerator, casting her perfectly round ass in the air. My cock immediately springs to action with the image of her bent over the island with me fucking her senseless.

Down, boy! This ain't the time nor the person for you to be excited.

I watch as she slowly stands up, killing me slowly. She turns around with a cup of cream in her hands. My mind goes wild.

She freezes in her steps as she looks at me but immediately recovers as she walks over to the coffee machine. She's brewing coffee. Of course.

I walk over and sit at the island, watching her every move. She's uncomfortable with me being here. I can tell from her tense shoulders.

I clear my throat as I try to make small talk. "Good morning, Erica."

She pauses before continuing with what she's doing. "Morning to you," she replies in a monotone voice.

"I heard about your father." Her shoulders tense even more. I should've kept my mouth shut.

"Yeah, well, he died!" Cold.

"I'm sorry..." I start.

She whirls around facing me with a cup of coffee in her hands. "What exactly are you sorry for?" I can hear the venom and disdain in her voice and the fire in her eyes. "Are you sorry that my father's dead or that you left eight years ago?"

"Erica..."

"Save it! I actually don't wanna know." With that she's gone.

She's pissed at me and I don't blame her. I left her eight years ago. I found out her father had died and didn't even attend the burial. Her anger is justified.

I sigh and go to pour myself some coffee. Black coffee with no additions. It'll help me cool off.

I sit on the sofa in the living room with Denise, watching a fashion show. This woman with fashion shows.

I hear footsteps on the stairs and I get up to go check. I find Erica dressed in a tight pair of jeans accentuating her hips and ass and a top that fits brings out the swell of her breasts.

"Where are you off to?" Not that it's any of my business but it's almost like she's going on a date.

"A grocery shop." Is all she says.

"At this time?" It's only five.

"Does going to a grocery shop have a time limit? And what's it to you anyway?"

She doesn't wait for my reply as she goes out of the door. I feel like a jerk but I can't help feeling all possessive with her.

"What was that all about?" Denise asks from behind me.

"Nothing." I walk away to the kitchen for a glass of water.

I got this uneasy feeling when she walked out. I'll try not to dwell on it.

It's eight and Erica isn't back yet. What kind of a trip to the grocer's takes all of three hours? I feel unsettled. I pace the entrance hall back and forth, trying to shake off the feeling.

I'm pretty sure Denise has already sensed my change of behaviour ever since we saw Erica. I don't know how she's going to take it but I really don't care.

I hear voices a few yards from the door, so I go to open it. I spot Erica ascending the stairs with a man. I scoff. Grocery shop my ass.

She laughs animatedly as they near the door. She sees me just as the man stops in his steps as well, both looking at me.

She shifts her attention back to the man, exchange a few words and they both burst out laughing. God, I want to rip his throat out.

They both hug and the man turns to leave, not before planting a kiss on her cheek. She stands there, watching him go until he disappears.

She turns back towards the door and walks over to me, rather the door. She attempts to walk past me but I grab her wrist, not missing the current that passes through me.

I lean into her so my face is only inches away from hers. "Who is he?" I ask.

She stares at me for a while. "None of your business."

"Don't test me right now," I say through clenched teeth. "Tell me..."

"What's going on here?" I whip my head to face Denise.

"Nothing." Erica answers as she yanks her hand free from my grip. "Only that you need to remind your fiancée that I don't need a babysitter."

She walks away. I stand there. Eyes on her as she disappears into the right wing.

"Mind explaining what I've just walked in on?" Denise presses.

"She's my sister's best friend and I don't want anything happening to her, or else Moana will break." That's the explanation I give her, hoping it'd be enough.

"Are you sure that's all there's to it? Because you've been acting strange since yesterday."

I give her a warning glare. "Don't build up a storm where there's none." I walk away from her.

Over the next week, I get to see more of Blondie around the house. I also find out he's living in the house next door. The very house where she was almost raped eight years ago by Jaime/Dimitri.

Who knows? Maybe this guy shouldn't be trusted just like that motherfucker.

I want to help her but she's just as stubborn as ever. What if his main motive is to get into her pants and hurt her?

I've got less than a week before I go back to New York. I really don't want to live her alone with that man roaming around.

Lately, I've been walking in on Denise and Erica fighting. I never really know what's making them fight because none of them ever tells me even when I ask. But I'll find out.

Currently I'm sitting in one of the corners of the maze. I want to process everything. And I know no one can disturb me in here.

I hear a rustle from the next path. I look up just as Erica shows up. She looks at me and turns to continue on her way.

"Erica, wait," I call out and she stops in her tracks. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

"What do you want, Joe?" She crosses her hand over chest.

I stand up and walk over to her until there's only a few inches left in between. I look down into her eyes, searching for a reaction and I get one. She still wants me.

I lower my voice until it's only a whisper. "What are we doing, Erica."

She ducks in a breath. "I don't know what you're talking about." She glances down to my lips. Liar.

I lean into her, backing her up against the hedge-wall. My lips near her ear and I can feel her shudder.

"You know there's something in between us. I know you can feel it."

"You have a fiancé, Joe!" She breathes.

"I know. And that is exactly why I haven't made a move on you." I lean even closer. I don't know what has gotten into me. But I can't help myself. I love her way too much.

Before I can process anything, she slides under my arms and walks off. I know it has taken all her will not to do this. Because she wants this just as much as I do.

I shake my head to the stupid thing I was going to to. I'm sure she hates me now.

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